lic view._

The President here speaks against the underhand diplomacy and secret
alliances which have been a feature of European history in the past. By
this practice a few diplomats and monarchs made whatever treaties they
wished, not presenting them for ratification to the people's
representatives, and yet binding every individual citizen to abide by
the terms adopted. Such secret provisions have often been agreed to
simply upon the whim or the ambition or the likes and dislikes of the
rulers. They have sometimes been opposed to the true interests of the
nations involved. They are undemocratic, and are not in accord with
American ideas.

2. _Absolute freedom of navigation upon the seas, outside territorial
waters, alike in peace and in war, except as the seas may be closed in
whole or in part by international action for the enforcement of
international covenants._

Since 1793 the United States has stood for the freedom of the seas and
the right of neutrals to carry on their trade in time of war as well as
in time of peace. Germany's violation of our rights as a neutral by her
submarine warfare was one of the causes of our taking up arms against
her. By territorial waters the President here means the waters within
three miles from shore, which are universally held to be under the
complete control of the adjoining state. By international covenants are
probably meant such covenants and guarantees as those mentioned in
points 14, 1, 4, 11, 12, and 13.

3. _The removal, so far as possible, of all economic barriers and the
establishment of an equality of trade conditions among all the nations
consenting to the peace and associating themselves for its maintenance._

Economic barriers are mainly restrictions upon trade and commerce. These
restrictions take various forms; they may be prohibitive customs duties,
or excessive port, tonnage, and harbor charges; they may be trade
agreements granting favors to the citizens of one country and _not_ to
those of another. The President urges the establishment of an equality
of such trade conditions.

4. _Adequate guarantees given and taken that national armaments will be
reduced to the lowest point consistent with domestic safety._

The President here touches one of the most important problems of the
coming peace. This has often been called a war against war; it has been
said that it will be the last war. The sentiment which leads to such
statements has its origin in a hatred o